2019 NFL power rankings, Week 9: Eagles rebound, Panthers humbled

Recap: Sean McDermott’s squad was one victory away from matching the team’s win total from a year ago when the club hosted the struggling Philadelphia Eagles. It was a blustery day in Orchard Park, New York, but it was the home team that was blown away by the visiting Birds as Buffalo’s run defense was exploited for 281 yards. Quarterback Josh Allen threw for 169 yards and two touchdowns but was also sacked four times and lost one of his three fumbles. It was a shocking loss for a team that had not given up more than 21 points in any game this season and had surrendered only 10 offensive touchdowns during a 5-1 start. The Eagles’ attack totaled four touchdowns.

Next Week: It’s a third consecutive home game for McDermott’s club and a second straight visit from an NFC East team as the Bills take on the 1-7 Washington Redskins. The teams (which met in Super Bowl XXVI) last met in 2015 in Landover and Buffalo saw its six-game winning streak in this series snapped thanks to a 35-25 setback.

Playoff hopes: In recent weeks, the Bills’ defense hasn’t been quite as staunch as it was and on Sunday it cost them in a big way against one of the better offensive lines in the league. Allen and the offense have yet to put together a really efficient overall effort. McDermott’s club needs to rebound smartly this Sunday vs. Washington.

Recap: Amazing. Injured quarterback Patrick Mahomes was throwing the ball at practice last week after dislocating his knee cap during the team’s win at Denver. But head coach Andy Reid decided that the 2018 NFL MVP just wasn’t quite ready and it was Matt Moore who got the nod for the Chiefs against the visiting Green Bay Packers. After falling behind 14-0, Kansas City actually took the lead in what wound up being a back-and-forth affair. But eventually, Reid’s defense could not stop the Packers’ balanced attack and in particular running back Aaron Jones. He frustrated the Chiefs as a pass-catcher and while Moore had his moments, the home team couldn’t keep up.

Next Week: The Chiefs host an NFC North team for the second consecutive Sunday as they take on the suddenly hot Minnesota Vikings. It’s a series that began 50 years ago when Kansas City bested the Purple Gang, 23-7, in Super Bowl IV at New Orleans. The last time the Chiefs hosted this series was 2011, a 22-17 Kansas City victory.

Playoff hopes: With the exception of the Los Angeles Chargers, the other three teams in the AFC West all took it on the chin. And now make it three straight home losses for the Chiefs, who fared well offensively minus Mahomes but the defense remains a major liability. Can this club bounce back and cool off the Vikings next week?

Next: Nos. 8 and 7